Residents in Birmingham's inner-city Nechells district are grappling with a dramatic new addition to their skyline: the colossal HS2 Curzon 2 viaduct, colloquially dubbed the Bellingham bridge. The structure, named after football star Jude Bellingham, is rapidly becoming the tallest feature in a one-mile stretch of connected viaducts cutting through the city, fundamentally altering the local landscape and sparking a wave of mixed emotions.
A Skyline Transformed and Local Concerns Mount
For many living in the shadow of the ongoing construction, the change has been jarring. One local worker did not mince words, stating, "I think it looks an absolute mess. I think it's an absolute waste of money." They questioned the need for the viaduct's significant height and expressed frustration at the pace of work, noting the section had already taken two years to build.
The practical impact on daily life is a primary grievance, particularly regarding parking. Raheema, a 25-year-old resident in flats directly overlooked by the structure, detailed a growing nightmare. "Parking is so bad for us because we don't have park permits," she explained, adding that requests to the council had been unsuccessful. She contrasted the current congestion with the past, recalling, "It's a nightmare for traffic, it never used to be this bad around our area." Her family, who have lived there since 2002, and previous tenants had all faced the same issue upon returning.
The visual transformation has also led to a sense of loss. Raheema reminisced about the former city views now obscured by the HS2 project. "We could see the BT Tower from here. Now what do we see? You can't see the BT Tower anymore," she said, highlighting a vanished vista that once defined the area's character.
Construction Challenges and Community Opportunities
The parking chaos extends beyond residents to those working in the area. A delivery driver compared the situation to nearby Digbeth, pointing out that even if it became a permit-only zone, the underlying shortage of spaces would persist, as many customers lack permits themselves.
However, the story of the Bellingham bridge is not one-sided. For some, the project represents vital opportunity. Mohammed Sharif, 19, from Bordesley Green, who works on the HS2 project, offered a contrasting perspective during a site tour. He highlighted how the development has created jobs for young people across Birmingham. Looking at the engineering feat, he shared, "I actually think it's beautiful, when you know about the work that has gone in, the level of detail on a structure like this is crazy."
The Future of Transport and a Changed City
When finally completed, the HS2 line is intended to significantly improve transport links between London and the West Midlands. The Curzon 2 viaduct is a critical piece of this national infrastructure puzzle, designed to carry high-speed trains through the heart of Birmingham.
Yet, for the people of Nechells, the immediate reality is one of disruption and adaptation. The community's reaction encapsulates the classic tension between large-scale progress and localised impact. While the promise of better connectivity and economic opportunity looms on the horizon, current frustrations over parking, aesthetics, and a lost skyline paint a complex picture of life alongside one of Britain's biggest engineering projects.
